Sentara’s scholarship program supports the next generation of healthcare workers.
A 2021 study by Mercer, the global professional services firm, estimates that the American healthcare system will face a workforce shortfall of 3.2 million healthcare professionals by 2026. While higher education and training programs remain a key component to addressing this shortfall, many individuals with a passion for healthcare, particularly those in marginalized communities, are too often unable to pursue these opportunities due to financial considerations.
In its first year, the Sentara Scholars program helped more than 7,000 students across Virginia and North Carolina overcome financial barriers — whether through tuition assistance or by providing emergency funds to cover unexpected expenses like vehicle repairs or textbook costs.
The result? A workforce bolstered with better-equipped professionals ready to care for and support communities throughout Virginia and Northeast North Carolina through a range of healthcare and healthcare-related fields.
What Sentara’s support means to our students
“The Sentara Cares scholarship has lightened my financial burden and allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse… it has opened doors for me and provided me with the means to embark on this transformative journey.”
– Jennifer Sierra, College of Public Health, George Mason University
“The Sentara Cares scholarship may not be able to change the entire world through their efforts, but thankfully, they have changed mine.”
– Jacob Davidson, College of Public Health, George Mason University
“Getting the Sentara scholarship was a lifesaver. It wasn’t just about the money; it was the vote of confidence from the donors. It made me more determined.”
– Bruno Motutu, School of Science, Aviation, Health, and Technology, Elizabeth City State University
“Having the Sentara scholarship while working towards my career has been very helpful. It’s helping me expand my knowledge and learn about the things that I want to pursue in the future to be able to work towards my master’s.”
– Lacei Banks, School of Science, Aviation, Health, and Technology, Elizabeth City State University
“Deciding to go back to school to continue my education while having kids put a lot of stress on my family because we were trying to figure out financing. The Sentara scholarship has eased that burden and allowed me to focus more on my classes and our family’s schedule for the next couple of years.”
– Breanna Burke, Leavitt School of Health, Western Governors University
“I am a full-time worker and active mom, so affordability was a major stumbling block for me at one time. I can now let my guard down and sigh with relief, knowing my school finances are covered!”
– Kasey Matta, Leavitt School of Health, Western Governors University
2022-23 Sentara Scholars partners
- ACCESS College Foundation
- Centura College
- College of the Albemarle Foundation
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Elizabeth City State University
- George Mason University Foundation, Inc.
- Hampton Roads Community Foundation
- James Madison University
- Medical College of Virginia Foundation
- Norfolk State University Foundation
- Old Dominion University Educational Foundation
- Sentara College of Health Sciences
- Virginia Foundation for Community College Education
- Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges
- Virginia Ready Initiative (VA Ready)
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Union University
- Virginia Wesleyan University
- Western Governors University
